Apr 17, New Delhi: Indian Railways will supply modern locomotives and train sets worth Indian Rs 6.8 billion to Sri Lanka, in the largest export order for the public transporter.

Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES), a railways public sector undertaking, has secured its largest export order from Sri Lanka Railways for the supply of 10 broad gauge diesel locomotives and six DMU (diesel multiple units) train sets, PTI reported.

DMU train sets do not require separate locomotive as the engines are incorporated into one or more of its coaches.

All locomotives and train sets would be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and manufactured in Varanasi and Chennai, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

The contract will be funded under the Indian Line of Credit to Sri Lanka announced in 2011, and supplies will be made over the next two years, the official said.

Sri Lanka has been granted USD 42 million for 10 engines, and USD 58 million for six power sets under the Indian Credit Line.

It had earlier exported 20 DMU train sets, three locomotives to Sri Lanka, besides providing expertise for setting up railway maintenance facilities and training of Sri Lankan railway officials during the period 2008-12.

Supplies of locomotives from Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) in Varanasi would be completed in 2017-18.